When we create websites, we almost always use the excellent Google Maps DataType to let the users update their contact page themselves. But sometimes, your customer tells you that you can’t use Google Maps. For political reasons. Let’s say a Microsoft sponsored website for example.

That’s why I created quickly something that resembles the Google Maps DataType, and I called it “Bing Maps DataType”. It’s not as clean and well build as the GMDT, but I got something. And it works.

Get your key

If you develop public websites using Bing Maps, you need an API key. To request a free key, go to http://www.bingmapsportal.com, click on “Create or view keys” and create a new key. A basic key is free of charge for a limited usage amount.

Creating the usercontrol

In the website, I’ve created a usercontrol using a code behind. This is the code, mainly javascript: